<b>By SHELLY STRAUTZ-SPRINGBORN<br>
Michigan Correspondent</b> </p><p>

ADA, Mich. — Lindsay Bielema of Ada, Mich., was recently crowned the 2008 National Polled Hereford Queen during the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colo.<br>
The 21-year-old competed against nine other state queens for the 34th national title, which was announced prior to the selection of the grand champion polled Hereford bull on Jan. 19. Bielema also was selected as Miss Congeniality.<br>
First runner-up went to Denelle Billman of Newcomerstown, Ohio, and second runner-up was Shelly Patton of Danielsville, Ga.<br>
Bielema has served as Michigan’s Hereford queen during the past year, and said she is looking forward to the opportunity to represent the industry at the national level.<br>
“It’s not really a pageant,” she said. “We’re more like ambassadors for the Hereford breed.”<br>
As Michigan ‘s queen, Bielema said, “I didn’t really have my heart set on winning” the national contest. But, with some encouragement from her family, friends and some Hereford breeders, she decided to pursue the title.<br>
“I really feel strongly that we need to represent our state at the national level. To represent the breed is an honor,” Bielema said.
Her family has a herd of about 50 Hereford cattle. While the farm is not the family’s primary business, she said, “It’s more intense than a hobby.”<br>
Bielema said the farm began to grow shortly after her family moved to “a place in the country where we were able to have cattle.
“My great-grandfather grew up on a farm. That’s where my dad’s interest came from.”<br>
That interest has been passed down to Bielema and her sisters. When she was in the eighth grade, she said her sister became interested through a friend.<br>
“We got two Belted Galloway calves. My sister showed one and I ended up showing the second one,” Bielema said.<br>
Her passion for cattle and showing has grown from that experience. With her most recent accomplishment, Bielema will spend the next year traveling throughout the United States to represent the Hereford breed at a variety of shows and sales.<br>
“My main role is to help communicate some of the goals of the breed itself and help communicate within the breed,” Bielema said. <br>
“I’ll communicate about the breed to people who aren’t familiar with it. I also want to serve as a positive role model to juniors.
“Stemming from the positive experience that I have had with the Hereford industry and its dedication to the youth of our society, I have a passion for reaching out and recruiting more youth to show Hereford cattle,” she said. “I want to be a positive role model that allows the Hereford industry to be a place where the youth of today are shaped into the leaders of tomorrow.”<br>
The queen program is administered by the National Organization of Poll-Ettes. Donors and sponsors, some of whom have been with the queen program since its inception in 1974, allow it to continue and flourish. Candidates are evaluated on their Hereford involvement, behavior, attitude, appearance and interaction with producers, as well as their resumes and interviews, according to program Chair Betsy Beck.<br>
“Lindsay is thoughtful, considerate and dedicated,” Beck said. “She has a wonderful personality, a strong knowledge of the Hereford breed and did a wonderful job during the show.”<br>
A member of the Michigan Junior Hereford Assoc. for four years, Bielema is the group’s secretary/treasurer. She attended the Junior National Hereford Expo in 2005, 2006 and 2007, participating in the showmanship contest, judging contest and the Hereford Bowl.
Bielema has been active in school and community leadership activities including the East Kent Beef 4-H Club, Kent County Beef Developmental Committee, Kent County Fair Board and Ada Christian Reformed Church. She is a junior at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich., studying to be a physician’s assistant.
After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school.